Commissioners move toward data center moratorium

Watauga County Commissioners have taken a preliminary step towards enacting a one-year moratorium on data center development within the county. During a recent meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a public hearing to further discuss the potential ban. Jason Walker, Watauga County Planning and Inspections Director, presented information highlighting concerns regarding data centers. He noted that even small data centers could consume significant power, equivalent to 700 to 7,000 homes, and stated the county lacks the necessary power availability. Walker also pointed out that medium-sized data centers could use 1.5 million gallons of water daily, while data centers generally contribute to green space loss, stormwater runoff, and noise and light pollution without creating jobs or generating tax revenue. The proposed moratorium aims to provide the county a year to develop detailed and comprehensive regulations for data centers in collaboration with environmental partners and agencies. The decision to hold a public hearing signifies the commissioners' serious consideration of these restrictions.